How to remove small plastic lip on Model 3 rear diffuser?

[PNWTMan]

Has anyone removed, or know how to remove the small plastic lip (see picture) on the bottom of the stock rear diffuser on the Model 3 performance? It’s the small lip piece that sticks out the back.

I’ve tried removing the two screws on it underneath, but still couldn’t get it off, and wondering what I’m missing. Thanks

 

[Perscitus]

The service manual outlines it.

There are also clips and screws holding it on from inside, only accessable once you undo the inside edge of the rear splash shield or outright remove it.

 

[PNWTMan]

The service manual outlines it.

There are also clips and screws holding it on from inside, only accessable once you undo the inside edge of the rear splash shield or outright remove it.

Thanks. As the service manual appears to be something not openly available, does anyone know of any posted videos of how to do this, or where this information might be posted that is available openly?

 

[Perscitus]

It is readily available (even if that availability is highly questionable) with many posting screenshots from it on here and across the fora.

If you are removing this to install an aftermarket diffuser, good luck. The fit is no fun.

Lift the car or get the back up in the air a bit, remove the rear splash cover or at the very least loosen in so as to be able to peak inside and look at the inside surface of the rear diffuser and rear bumper skin... you will see the screws you need to deal with beyond the obvious ones under the covers accessable from the outside.

 

[PNWTMan]

Ended up having to take the whole rear bumper off for install, but rear diffuser on now and turned out pretty well in my opinion.

 

[MarsOrBust]

What function does this huge diffuser serve?

 

[PNWTMan]

What function does this huge diffuser serve?

The primary purpose of a rear diffuser is to efficiently increase the downforce of a vehicle, which helps increase grip and reduce aerodynamic drag. It also provides a nice look on the vehicle.

It’s why you see them on race cars, for this aerodynamic benefit.

 

[GoodbyeICE]

Love that rear diffuser! Where is it from?

 

[PNWTMan]

Love that rear diffuser! Where is it from?

@GoodbyeICE - I bought it from Guangzhou Zhidao Trading Co. in China.

 

[KenC]

What function does this huge diffuser serve?

It's meant to look bad... ass.

 

[KenC]

View attachment 603109 View attachment 603111

The primary purpose of a rear diffuser is to efficiently increase the downforce of a vehicle, which helps increase grip and reduce aerodynamic drag. It also provides a nice look on the vehicle.

It’s why you see them on race cars, for this aerodynamic benefit.

But a street car never goes fast enough to get the aero benefit that a race car does. The diffuser would have to be much larger to get any aero benefit. Nor is the potential downforce balanced like it is on a race car. It's 99.99% for appearance.

 

[MarsOrBust]

It's meant to look bad... ass.

I just don’t see it. Looks like a cheap add on and does little for aerodynamic improvement
in the position. I doubt they publish the changes in drag coefficients with this atrocity, but hey
if the emperor wants to walk around naked go ahead. Keeps him happy.